How does confidentiality works in terapy?

Question

How far can I trust my psychologist? I need to tell him something but I'm afraid he's going to tell...is something very delicate

I would like to tell him about a colleague, but is veru hard and hurtful. I don't want to make me testify against him. I'm really desperate and I need to tell somebody

Answer 1

Psychologists are ethically bound to confidentiality with regard to the information their clients tell them. However, there are two exceptions to this rule. If a client tells them that they are going to harm themselves or someone else, the psychologist may have to break confidentiality. As well, if the client provides information which indicates that a child is in need of protection (e.g., reveals that their younger sister is being sexually abused), they may be legally bound to report that information to authorities. You should ask your psychologist to review confidentiality with you to ensure that he/she follows this ethical obligation. Unless your secret involves one of these scenarios, you should be able to talk about it. Good luck.

Answer 2

There are only two things a Therapist is legally bound to report:
Murder and Child abuse. Other than that the counselor has a little discretion. If he/ she feels that something you tell them threatens your personal well being, or those of someone else, he may use the option to hospitalize you fro your own protection.
Outside of that a therapist is bound to maintain confidentiality, unless you are a minor, then he can blab to your parents.

Answer 3

Tell your thearipist the only way he can tell others is if you tell him you or someone else plans on hurting/killing you or some one else, or if a child is being abused in some way or something that is going to do alot more harm then what telling someone would. I know as few people are going to be told about it as possible. Only people needed to stop the harm ie doctors, police judges etc.

Answer 4

they say i am too paranoid because i know they cannot be trusted the sneaky sobs. make me take all these wierd *** pills and come in and stare at me. i aint talking. the just stare and make me come back. i see them writing things down and i aint saying a word. who ould trust somebody like that mean nothing but trrouble for me. i will leave town and they will forget all about me. i must have really been crazy to pay these fools. all the know is drugs but street drugs than what they deal up. they should have to stand out on the corner and take their chances like the rest off us.

Answer 5

If you really must tell someone, drop me a line.
I've been working with people problems for over 25 years and I've NEVER been suprised and I won't call you funny names. I understand completely that everyone has that little piece inside that they think they can't tell anyone or nobody will understand.

Answer 6

all psychologist and counselors ( MSW, LCSW, LPC, etc) are bound by confidentiality/ethics. they can't tell what you tell them, unless its something where a child is being abused or a crime is being committed. Or if you are planning to commit a crime like kill someone or kill yourself. Then they are bound by law to report those things to authorities.
Good luck to you, congratulations for going to counseling.

Answer 7

the only time they can repeat what is said is
1. with ur permission
2. If you plan to harm yourself or others
3. and I think if a crime was committed.
You should be able to trust them.

Answer 8

He is legally bound to protect you unless you tell him something that will harm yourself or harm another person... outside of that, it is nearly legally impossible for him to speak of your situation

Answer 9

He took an oath not to tell. The only way he can do it is with your permission or if you are dead.

Answer 10

i never trust psychologists